More Than Just a Jersey

10 August 2009 09:06am

By Fiona Murphy

Munster Rugby and adidas have today officially unveiled the club's new 2009/10 home kit.

The traditional red home kit with a new twist was revealed at Thomond Park by Munster players Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Keith Earls, Donncha O'Callaghan, Denis Leamy and Doug Howlett. The team will wear the kit for the first time in their pre-season friendly against Sale, at Musgrave Park this Friday August 14th, and will be available in-store from August 27th.

The new shirt has a number of distinctive and specific features that tap into the tradition and heritage of Munster Rugby. The words "wear with pride and honesty" feature on the inside of the collar, while the six counties of Munster - Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford - are imprinted along the bottom end of the jersey, symbolising the unity within the province. The antlers from the Munster Rugby logo are embossed across the chest of the jersey.

The shirt features rugby specific ForMotion™, which is engineered to move with the player's body and works in conjunction with adidas Techfit compression under-apparel. World renowned ClimaCool™ technology also features.

Garrett Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Munster Rugby said "Munster Rugby is delighted to continue it's partnership with adidas whose global brand appeal and heritage in rugby apparel is second to none. We have had great success since we joined forces with adidas and the brand brings with them all the latest kit technology, yet they have maintained a traditional look to the shirt. This continued association will ensure the squad will remain fully equipped for the demands of modern rugby."

Paul Moloney, Head of Sports Marketing, adidas Ireland said "adidas understands that this is more than just a jersey to Munster supporters and players and what it represents in terms of the passion, power and heritage that is the backbone of Munster Rugby. We know that this coupled with our long history of rugby innovation means that we can hopefully look forward to many more years of success with Munster Rugby."

Paul O'Connell said: "The Munster jersey is massive to me. I grew up watching so many heroes of mine playing for Munster, and when I put on this jersey I know exactly what it stands for - every player who has come before me, and every fan out there that supports us. This jersey is special. Wearing it is a huge honour."

Six lucky Munster fans got an exclusive preview of the new Munster kit; the home and alternative kits; and the training wear. The six prize-winners also got the players' full home kit to take away with them.

The new jerseys, both home and alternative, will be available in store from August 27th in two types: the tight fitting playing version featuring ForMotion™ and a standard replica jersey. Munster new training range will also be available in-store.